ONE of Coventry's oldest buildings could finally be in line for a much-needed makeover after standing derelict for more than 20 years.

The Old Grammar School in Hales Street dates back to the 1100s when it was originally the medieval church to the Hospital of St John.

In the sixteenth century city benefactor John Hales - then an unpopular clerk to King Henry VIII - purchased the dissolved Whitefriars monastery as well as the nearby hospital church.

He turned Whitefriars into his home and founded a grammar school for boys which, by 1558 he had moved into the hospital church.

The school grew and flourished there until 1885 when it moved again - this time to the site of the present King Henry VIII School in Warwick Road.

Despite being listed as an Ancient Monument and appearing on various conservation lists as being in need of "urgent attention," local people have had to watch as the building sank further into decay.

But last year the Trustees of the Old Grammar School - who were traditionally all members of Holy Trinity Church in Broadgate - realised they were able to invite non-members such as professional management consultant Mark Jarvis to join them.

Since then Mr Jarvis has helped to secure cash for a feasibility study from the European Redevelopment Fund, Coventry and Nuneaton Regeneration Zone and Architectural Heritage Fund.

Mr Jarvis, who works independently and is and former general manager of Coventry Rugby Club, said: "A feasibility study has now been carried out and we should be able to make some announcements about the future of the Old Grammar School soon.

"It is not a particularly practical building and there's always been a problem about what it can be used for that would benefit the city.

"After consulting the city council, English Heritage and receiving advice from the Prince's Regeneration Trust we have 130 options to evaluate ranging from social to commercial to retail."